Post your best current shots

[Kayaker72]

A waterfall. My first. Please CC when you get a chance. Want to make this as good as I can.
Canon 7D, 24-70mm f/2.8L @ 34mm, f/13, ISO 100, 65 sec. Used a CPL and a 6 stop ND

If that is your first attempt, you did great.

In addition to Pat's comments, the color temp varies as you move across the waterfall from warm to cool. Part of this, and I am very impressed (and suspect PP) that you do not have even more contrast considering part of the falls is in light and the other in shade. That is very tough. The best photos have more even lighting on the waterfall, either it being in the shade or light. But, if you think of it, many of the "iconic" waterfall shots are taken with the falls in shade. It just helps with the lighting and contrast of a very white water and the surroundings. I am not sure time of day was the issue, as the light seems to be fairly horizontal, but maybe a different time of day would be better.

Longer exposures look best when the water flow is exceptionally consistent (see Pat's week 43 winner). When there is spray, the longer shots get fuzzy. Which does work, but I sometimes like a more kinetic look given by faster shutter speeds. I would be interested what this would look like at 1/4-2 sec range.

Final thought, and Pat already voiced it, but I sometimes take a picture of the falls (ok, often), but some of the better waterfall pictures capture the whole scene surrounding the waterfall. So, think about the whole scene would be a suggestion. I obviously do both, sometimes focus on the falls itself and sometimes try to capture the scene.

Of course, all of this is not meant to be critical. Just some thoughts.

[conropl]

I am not sure time of day was the issue, as the light seems to be fairly horizontal, but maybe a different time of day would be better.

Just to clarify my comment regarding lighting - Shooting during sunrise or sunset brings more color into the situation. Be it from the color in the sky or a nice gold sun light lighting up the scene... it just makes for magic by bringing in color and depth to the many facets of the scene. The other was heavy overcasts days (even rain); it gets rid of the bright white in the water and eliminates shadows (as you stated), but also seems to enhance the colors of the surrounding vegetation. Overcast days just makes getting the correct exposure much easier.

Pat

[Kayaker72]

The other was heavy overcasts days (even rain); it gets rid of the bright white in the water and eliminates shadows (as you stated), but also seems to enhance the colors of the surrounding vegetation. Overcast days just makes getting the correct exposure much easier.

Pat

Clouds...just one big light modifier to a photographer. I first heard that regarding foliage photography. But it is so true. For great foliage, you need lots of sunny days, but some of the best foliage photographs are taken on cloudy days.

[clemmb]

My granddaughter
1DIII : 135f2 @2.2


IMG_0228 by clemmb60, on Flickr